Optimizing circadian rhythms and endothelial health is crucial for preventing heart disease.
Various tests can assess a person's risk of heart disease by evaluating factors like endothelial function and arterial health.
Sunlight exposure, exercise, and dietary choices can enhance nitric oxide production and improve endothelial health to protect the heart.
Deep dives
Understanding cardiology and the importance of transparent conversations
In this podcast episode, Dr. Gabriel Lyon interviews Dr. Michael Twyman, a board-certified cardiologist, to shed light on the importance of cardiology and clear communication. They discuss the confusion surrounding topics like cholesterol, triglycerides, heart disease, and stroke prevention. Dr. Twyman emphasizes the need to ensure information is accessible and actionable for patients. He also highlights the relevance of integrative functional medicine in cardiology.
The significance of circadian rhythms and endothelial health in heart disease prevention
Dr. Twyman emphasizes the critical role of circadian rhythms and endothelial health in preventing heart disease. He explains how synchronizing our waking and sleeping patterns with natural light exposure is crucial for maintaining healthy hormone and neurotransmitter production. Additionally, he highlights the crucial role of the endothelium, the inner lining of the arteries, in producing nitric oxide and maintaining vessel dilation. Abnormal endothelial function, marked by indicators like high blood pressure or erectile dysfunction, can be early warning signs of cardiovascular issues.
Testing and markers for atherosclerosis and arterial health
Dr. Twyman discusses various tests that aid in assessing a person's risk of atherosclerosis and overall arterial health. These tests include salivary nitric oxide strips, the max pulse pulse wave velocity test, carotid intima-media thickness test, and coronary calcium score. He explains how these tests help evaluate factors like endothelial function, arterial stiffness, plaque buildup, and calcification. By identifying early signs of arterial damage and inflammation, individuals can take proactive steps towards reducing their risk of heart disease.
The Importance of Assessing Endothelial Function and Blood Work
Endothelial health plays a crucial role in protecting the heart, and assessing endothelial function is essential. Various tests, such as the endoPAT and pulse wave velocity testing, can provide valuable insights into the health of the endothelium. In addition, blood work, including uric acid levels and a test called symmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), can provide indicators of endothelial dysfunction. By understanding the state of the endothelium and analyzing blood work, healthcare professionals can identify potential heart risks and propose targeted preventive measures.
The Importance of Sunlight, Exercise, and Nutrition for Cardiovascular Health
Sunlight, specifically in the morning, has a beneficial impact on the skin and the body's ability to produce nitric oxide, a compound essential for endothelial function. Exercise is another crucial factor in increasing blood flow to the muscles, improving endothelial health, and stimulating nitric oxide production. Consumption of dark leafy greens and beets, which contain nitrates and nitrites, can also contribute to nitric oxide production. These dietary choices become particularly important after the age of forty when the body's ability to produce nitric oxide naturally decreases. Additionally, supplements targeting the salivary pathway and enzymes involved in nitric oxide production may benefit individuals with impaired nitric oxide synthesis.
Dr. Michael Twyman is a board-certified cardiologist who focuses on the prevention and early detection of heart disease. Dr. Twyman completed his cardiovascular training at St Louis University after he completed a 4-year active duty tour as an internist atNaval Hospital Beaufort. He has been in private practice since 2012. Heart Attack Prevention is his passion. He utilizes the best of conventional medicine, integrative/functional medicine, quantum medicine, and biohacking to get to the root cause of the patient’s cardiovascular issues.
In this episode we discuss:
What you can do to prevent heart attacks
How to optimize your mitochondria so you can live longer and healthier
Why Doctors don’t do enough preventative work
Does too much artificial light affect your heart?
This episode is brought to you by LMNT, InsideTracker, and 1stPhorm
